Choosing the Right Air Dryer for Humid Southern Summers
The Mid-South has no shortage of heat and humidity—and that’s bad news for your compressed air system. During steamy summer months in Memphis, Jackson, Tupelo, Springdale, and Little Rock, moisture levels in compressed air skyrocket. Without the right air dryer in place, that excess moisture can damage tools, ruin products, and cause system shutdowns when you need uptime the most.
At Process & Power, we help manufacturers, processors, and facilities across the region select, install, and maintain air dryers designed to thrive in hot, humid conditions. In this article, we’ll break down how air dryers work, why they matter, and how to choose the best one for your operation.
Why You Need an Air Dryer in the Mid-South
Compressed air always contains water vapor. When that warm, humid air cools—such as during compression or when moving through piping—it condenses into water. If not removed, that moisture causes:
Rust and corrosion in air lines, tanks, and tools
Damage to valves, actuators, and pneumatic systems
Contamination in food, beverage, or pharmaceutical products
Lower quality coatings in paint or powder processes
Poor tool performance and frequent breakdowns
In short: moisture in your compressed air isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a risk to your entire operation.
Common Types of Air Dryers We Recommend
1. Refrigerated Air Dryers
Ideal for general manufacturing, auto shops, and moderate air quality requirements. These dryers cool compressed air to around 35–50°F, condensing and removing water vapor.
Best for:
Machine shops
Packaging lines
Fabrication facilities
Facilities with moderate humidity loads
Advantages:
Reliable and affordable
Easy to maintain
Handles most summer humidity levels with proper sizing
2. Desiccant Air Dryers
Designed for critical applications that require ultra-dry air. Desiccant dryers use moisture-absorbing media (like activated alumina) to remove nearly all water vapor, reaching dew points of -40°F or lower.
Best for:
Medical or pharmaceutical manufacturing
Powder coating
Food processing
Cleanrooms or labs
Sub-freezing environments
Advantages:
Delivers high-purity air
Essential for sensitive tools and products
Works well in extreme humidity or cold
How Humidity Impacts Your Air Dryer
Summers in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi often bring dew points over 70°F and relative humidity above 80%. That means your air system is pulling in a lot of water vapor—and your dryer must work harder to remove it.
Without the right system, you’ll see:
Standing water in tanks and pipes
Poor air tool performance
Increased maintenance and part wear
Quality issues in paint, packaging, or food lines
Shortened equipment life due to corrosion and contamination
A properly selected and maintained dryer helps you avoid all of that—and protects your investment.
Choosing the Right Air Dryer: Factors to Consider
At Process & Power, we consider several key factors before recommending a dryer:
CFM (airflow) required by your system
Application sensitivity (general shop vs. food-grade line)
Ambient temperature and humidity levels
Budget and maintenance capabilities
Future expansion plans or upcoming system changes
We size your dryer to match your compressor, usage, and environment—so your system stays dry even during the toughest summer days.
Signs Your Current Dryer Isn’t Working
If your facility already has an air dryer, but you’re seeing:
Water in your lines
Corrosion at fittings
Moisture-sensitive equipment failing
Frequent filter replacements
Increased pressure drop or reduced airflow
…it might be time for a service call or upgrade.
Preventative Maintenance Keeps Dryers Running Strong
Even the best dryer will fail without regular upkeep. That’s why we offer maintenance for all major dryer brands, including:
Atlas Copco
Powerex
Sullair
Hankison
BEKO
Quincy
Our technicians provide:
Filter changes and desiccant media replacement
Drain and condensate trap checks
Heat exchanger and coil cleaning
Dew point sensor calibration
Full system diagnostics
With scheduled PM, your air stays dry—and your operations stay on track.
Complete Air Dryer Services from Process & Power
We provide:
System sizing and selection
Dryer sales and installation
Preventative maintenance
Emergency repairs
Filter and desiccant media sales
Drain upgrades and automation
Whether you need to fix a failing dryer or design a system for a new facility, we’re your trusted partner.
Serving the Mid-South’s Most Humid Markets
We support air dryer installations, service, and repairs across:
Memphis & Jackson, TN
Springdale & Little Rock, AR
Tupelo, MS
Plus surrounding towns and rural manufacturers
Whether you're running a multi-shift operation or a small specialty shop, we’ll help you stay dry all year long.
Let’s Get Your Air System Ready for Summer
Don’t wait until humidity shuts your system down. The right air dryer can protect your equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and improve product quality. And with Process & Power on your side, you’ll get expert advice, fast service, and lasting results.
Call Process & Power at (901) 362-5500 or visit www.processnpower.com to request a quote, schedule a service, or talk to one of our technicians today.
Process & Power
📍 1721 Corporate Avenue, Memphis, TN 38132
📞 (901) 362-5500
🌐 www.processnpower.com
Serving Memphis & Jackson, TN | Springdale & Little Rock, AR | Tupelo, MS
